Time for a quick posting. We have arrived safely in Seoul and are enjoying the 4 hour layover as a time to rest, freshen up and stretch a bit. That 14 hour flight is grueling, but Korean Air takes good care of its passengers and we ate well...yes...on an airplane. At least most of us did :).
While here, just got an email from Mike Flinchum, an Asia's Hope Staff from West Virginia and a great help to us in our connection with Hot Springs. He has been a guide, interpreter and friend. It will be good to see his face at the airport in Chiang Mai....along with all our amazing children, and Pastor Suradet and Yupa as well.
Oh my. Can't wait.
Ruth Anne
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
May He Work In Us What Is Pleasing To Him
May the God of peace
who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen
Hebrews 13:20-21
who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen
Hebrews 13:20-21
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Almost On Our Way
Well here we are, the Thailand 2012 Team.
It's only a matter of days now, and 11 Highviewers will get on a plane that will take us half way around the world to our adventure. We will be working alongside Pastor Suradet and his wife Yupa to provide an ESL Day Camp for neighbouring children in a small community just north of Chiang Mai. And when we're not "in camp mode" we will be living with and loving on the 17 children that have become our Thai family, sleeping there, eating with them, playing chess, doing puzzles, and visiting around the area to gain a better understanding of culture and language.
And it will be life changing!
We have to get there first. And the packing is important. And the handing off of responsibilities here, making sure we're spending time with our faithful families who'll stay home and support us by pulling extra weight when we're gone. Sorting out the carry on from the checked bags. Finalizing the finances. Going over the lists.
It's big job. And it's a long way. And it's really, really different from what it's like here at home. And we'll be tired and disoriented and hot a lot of the time. And an ESL Day Camp, why, we've never done that before!
But what our souls will gain in the exchange makes this so, so worth it! We will never be the same again.
And what we hope of course is that there will be some precious children that might say the same about our visit. That somehow, just by being there, by our time there and our ongoing sponsorship support and love, we can bring hope to kids who would otherwise be caught in a destructive cycle of poverty.
Can't wait to see our beautiful children. There's new ones since my visit last year. And Saiy is graduating, oh my. A young woman now. And Thim, my own sponsored girl, growing up so lovely. And all of them. Miki and Bee and Bao and Nut and Entorn and Boy and Beeyung and Somchai and Yawalek and Rompo and Fruk and Bee and Kanopit and Wirapong and Wirachai...all of them. Can't wait to meet the new ones. Can't wait to see my kids.
What a gift. What an adventure this whole thing has turned out to be.
On our way.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
ESL Team Leaves for Hot Springs on March 13
The very cool thing about this is that it was Suradet's idea.
On March 13, fourteen Highviewers will get on a plane and travel half way around the world to Chiang Mai, Thailand. We will partner with our Thai family at Asia's Hope's Hot Springs Orphan Home (also the church that gathers there) in an outreach adventure to teach English as a second language to neighbourhood children in the village of Maeon.
Since 2008, when we came alongside to sponsor Pastor Suradet and his wife Yupa, who had brought 13 children to live with them on the church property where they pastor, Highview has visited there five times. Mostly our trips have been relaxed and personal, more like visits to family than a missions trip, giving us the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating and gentle culture, and to build genuine relationships with the children and staff.
It was in this spirit of learning and partnership that conversations began two trips ago in 2010, about the possibility of bringing a larger team to teach English. Suradet has numerous requests on a frequent basis, from parents in his village, to have their children taught English. English is a very positive asset for Thais, as they continue to work toward holding their own in a world that is becoming increasingly small, but with many economic and educational possibilities. Learning English is particularly important for children from low economic areas, as it can become a key that unlocks doors of opportunity that will help them break out of a cycle of poverty.
Hey, we thought together, us "farangs" (foreigners) speak English. Why don't we provide a fun day camp kind of environment where we can be together, teach some basics, and just love on these beautiful children?
So that's what we hope to do.
We will leave on March 13 and return in two groups, one on March 30 and the other April 3. Day Camp will run from March 19 to 23, leaving us some time to rest from the trip there, get to know our Hot Springs kids first, and have some time to get a taste for Thai culture on the off days when there is no camp.
We are almost ready to go. Lots of packing to do yet, and lots of details to cover, but it's happening.
A great team has assembled.
George Gabber and Linda Patton and their family, Jonathan, Elaine and Emmerson.
Ian and Renee Peers and their son Quin.
Dave Driver and his son Sam.
Megan Ogilvie
Heidi Bramer
Nick Hoffos
Ruth Anne Breithaupt
Each brings something unique and needed to the table.
Each is open for what God will want to teach us as we go.
And it is true, that the very cool thing about this whole deal, is that it was Suradet's idea in the first place. When we started our relationship with Hot Springs, we declared from the beginning that we wanted to have a partnership not a project. The times we have been able spend with them has increased our respect and love, watching Suradet and Yupa in action, being very comfortable to follow their lead.
This is going to be amazing!
We will keep you posted via this blog. And we thank you for your prayers.
On March 13, fourteen Highviewers will get on a plane and travel half way around the world to Chiang Mai, Thailand. We will partner with our Thai family at Asia's Hope's Hot Springs Orphan Home (also the church that gathers there) in an outreach adventure to teach English as a second language to neighbourhood children in the village of Maeon.
Since 2008, when we came alongside to sponsor Pastor Suradet and his wife Yupa, who had brought 13 children to live with them on the church property where they pastor, Highview has visited there five times. Mostly our trips have been relaxed and personal, more like visits to family than a missions trip, giving us the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating and gentle culture, and to build genuine relationships with the children and staff.
It was in this spirit of learning and partnership that conversations began two trips ago in 2010, about the possibility of bringing a larger team to teach English. Suradet has numerous requests on a frequent basis, from parents in his village, to have their children taught English. English is a very positive asset for Thais, as they continue to work toward holding their own in a world that is becoming increasingly small, but with many economic and educational possibilities. Learning English is particularly important for children from low economic areas, as it can become a key that unlocks doors of opportunity that will help them break out of a cycle of poverty.
Hey, we thought together, us "farangs" (foreigners) speak English. Why don't we provide a fun day camp kind of environment where we can be together, teach some basics, and just love on these beautiful children?
So that's what we hope to do.
We will leave on March 13 and return in two groups, one on March 30 and the other April 3. Day Camp will run from March 19 to 23, leaving us some time to rest from the trip there, get to know our Hot Springs kids first, and have some time to get a taste for Thai culture on the off days when there is no camp.
We are almost ready to go. Lots of packing to do yet, and lots of details to cover, but it's happening.
A great team has assembled.
George Gabber and Linda Patton and their family, Jonathan, Elaine and Emmerson.
Ian and Renee Peers and their son Quin.
Dave Driver and his son Sam.
Megan Ogilvie
Heidi Bramer
Nick Hoffos
Ruth Anne Breithaupt
Each brings something unique and needed to the table.
Each is open for what God will want to teach us as we go.
And it is true, that the very cool thing about this whole deal, is that it was Suradet's idea in the first place. When we started our relationship with Hot Springs, we declared from the beginning that we wanted to have a partnership not a project. The times we have been able spend with them has increased our respect and love, watching Suradet and Yupa in action, being very comfortable to follow their lead.
This is going to be amazing!
We will keep you posted via this blog. And we thank you for your prayers.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thank You So Very Much!!!!
In Thai, that would sound like "korp koon mahk, ka!!!"
I received word from Suradet this morning that the victims of the Bangkok flooding who had been staying at Hot Springs have been able to return home! They have a huge mess to dig out from, but are glad to be in a rebuilding phase, looking toward the future.
Meanwhile, Suradet wanted us to know that he and Fahkrahm Church from Bangkok deeply appreciate the generosity of Highview, and the $2,671.00 that was collected in a special offering here on November 20th. That money has been divided up between expenses incurred by Hot Springs while their guests were with them, and the folks at Fahkrahm Church themselves, to help them in their clean up efforts.
What a joy to be able to partner so meaningfully and quickly in this with Suradet and Yupa on this matter, and to know that they have felt our love in a tangible way.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
If there are any other pictures or stories, we'll be sure to let you know.
Ruth Anne
I received word from Suradet this morning that the victims of the Bangkok flooding who had been staying at Hot Springs have been able to return home! They have a huge mess to dig out from, but are glad to be in a rebuilding phase, looking toward the future.
Meanwhile, Suradet wanted us to know that he and Fahkrahm Church from Bangkok deeply appreciate the generosity of Highview, and the $2,671.00 that was collected in a special offering here on November 20th. That money has been divided up between expenses incurred by Hot Springs while their guests were with them, and the folks at Fahkrahm Church themselves, to help them in their clean up efforts.
What a joy to be able to partner so meaningfully and quickly in this with Suradet and Yupa on this matter, and to know that they have felt our love in a tangible way.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
If there are any other pictures or stories, we'll be sure to let you know.
Ruth Anne
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Radical Hospitality
News from Bangkok has recently included many pictures like this one.
Flooding has reached crisis proportions, and countless people have been displaced as they continue to wait for the waters to recede.
I've watched with keen interest, given my love for Thailand as a whole. Though half way around the world, when it's a place you've not just visited, but have begun to invest pieces of your heart......everything seems not quite so far away somehow.
Still, all this was happening in the south. Way south. Those I know and love way up north, near Chiang Mai, were unaffected. Until now.
This is a picture of what's left of Fahkram Church, Bangkok.
Recently 120 displaced people from this church have left their homes, their church, their city, and their lives, and have found a temporary refuge in the simple and beautiful space we know as Hot Springs. This is, of course, the church-turned-orphan home led by a young Pastor and his wife, Suradet and Yupa.
I can barely wrap my head around it. The logistics of it alone are incredible. Yet, it doesn't surprise me. There's room at Hot Spring
s. Not just physical space, but the enormous expanse of the generosity, compassion and radical hospitality of one young but sensationally wise couple serving God with all they have in a remote town in Northern Thailand.We will be taking up a special flood-relief offering at Highview on Sunday (November 20, 2011). Seems like such a small way to help, but we want to participate.
And we'll keep on preparing for our time there in March of next year, when 13 Highviewers will get on a plane and take our love and language half way around the world to spend time with our Thai family, working with them for an ESL Day Camp for neighbourhood kids. At least, that's the plan.
__________
To My Astonishing and Faithful Brother and Sister, Ahjahn Suradet and Yupa,
You teach me so much.
Humbly,
Ruth Anne
Sunday, August 21, 2011
An Open Letter To Potential Asia Trippers
This is a copy of a letter sent to those at Highview who have indicated an interest in going to Thailand on one of two ESL trips planned for next year. It is posted here to widen the invitation. Who knows? Maybe this is your chance to move out of your comfort zone and see what God is doing in Regions Beyond!
If you're interested in finding out more, you can email our Pastor, Ruth Anne Breithaupt at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or our Sponsor Coordinator, Jen Huggins at keepersmom@sympatico.ca.
Hello Potential Asia Trippers :),
If you're interested in finding out more, you can email our Pastor, Ruth Anne Breithaupt at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or our Sponsor Coordinator, Jen Huggins at keepersmom@sympatico.ca.
Hello Potential Asia Trippers :),
Right off the top, I'm going ask for a three point reply, once you've read this email :).
i) That you received this email.
ii) That you are participating in the Garage Sale, yes or no.
iii) That you are attending the Team Trip meeting, yes or no.
Next, I am sending this email even to some of you who have since indicated at this point that you probably will not be coming to Thailand this year, and that's okay. I wanted you to still have the opportunity to participate in some of the Teams' preparation, AND I want to make sure you read the note about the length of the trips as indicated below in 2. Team Trip Meeting.
But mostly, this email is to put two things on your radar:
1. Garage Sale - Saturday, September 17 (exact time not yet decided) at the church
Here's how it works.
Just by giving us your name, you can have a table at the Garage Sale. Al proceeds from your table go directly to your ticket....you take that money home that day and put it safely away somewhere until we're ready to book the flight. We will be asking each table to provide their own pricing and cash box.
Anyone else who has items do donate but who is not going on the trip, can donate that to the "general" table. All proceeds from that table will go directly to the expenses for doing the ESL camp itself. We need $500 Canadian to run the camp.
Here's how it works.
Just by giving us your name, you can have a table at the Garage Sale. Al proceeds from your table go directly to your ticket....you take that money home that day and put it safely away somewhere until we're ready to book the flight. We will be asking each table to provide their own pricing and cash box.
Anyone else who has items do donate but who is not going on the trip, can donate that to the "general" table. All proceeds from that table will go directly to the expenses for doing the ESL camp itself. We need $500 Canadian to run the camp.
The Garage Sale will go on Rain or Shine, moving indoors if necessary.
It is our goal to have a "Trip Package" ready for you by September 17th to prepare for the meeting on September 29.
2. Team Trip Meeting - Thursday, September 29 - 7:00 p.m. at the church.
Among other important topics, one of the main elements of this meeting will be to talk about the dates of the two trips, and the LENGTH of each trip. There has been some feedback already that two weeks is too long. Suradet has also indicated that he would prefer to do only ONE week of ESL Day Camp. So, there is some dialogue that needs to happen before we can determine for sure how long each trip will be. We will also talk about team fund-raising opportunity, what you need to begin to prepare, and a bit more about what exactly we'll be doing when we're there (each time, March and July).
Also, please come prepared to share briefly with the group what you believe are your reasons for going on the trip, personally. This is part of our spiritual preparation for what God will want to accomplish in your heart through this trip.
________________________________
The other day I sent a quick email to Suradet that simply said: "Dear Yupa, I miss your cooking!!!" I do! Not just the cooking, but the amazing hospitality of this couple who, let's face it, invited 15 kids to come live at their house....all because God has told us to feed the poor.
Our kids are no longer orphans, and they are no longer hungry. But there are others. more kids who could come live at Hot Springs. AND neighbourhood kids who know nothing about Jesus, but are hungry for what He has to off, just the same. That's what these two trips are all about in 2012.
What a remarkable opportunity God is giving us, to partner with Suradet and Hot Springs Church, to reach out to their own backyard.
Sawat-dee, ka!
Ruth Anne
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